Arizona Cardinals Mock Draft: Updated Day 2 Predictions

The Arizona Cardinals added one of the top offensive tackles with their first-round pick. Florida’s D.J. Humphries will likely challenge to start immediately at right tackle, which will create a fun battle between him and incumbent starter Bobby Massie.

With a need still present at cornerback, the Cardinals could capitalize on a deep class by selecting a falling secondary player. Arizona likes long and fast cornerbacks, who usually get drafted highly. But that creates that much more value for the Cardinals if one is present.

Arizona also has a need for a power running back and an edge rusher. Day 2 should be chock full of qualified talents at each position.

Now that Day 1 is in the books, let’s look forward to the second day of the NFL draft.

Round 2

No. 55: Ronald Darby, CB, Florida State

The second round looks like it could be a sweet spot for a cornerback. Florida State cornerback Ronald Darby is one of the best available at this point. Arizona would love the speedster’s combination of athleticism and length.

The Cardinals defense wouldn’t have to rely on Darby right away. Rookie cornerbacks often take seasoning before they excel, and Darby likely is the same. Instead of 1,000 snaps in 2015, Darby can be eased into the lineup with about half that number.

Other second-round options could include Florida State cornerback P.J. Williams and Utah’s Eric Rowe.

Round 3

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No. 86: Hau’oli Kikaha, Edge, Washington

Finding quality edge-rushers this late in the draft can be a daunting task. The NFL usually identifies the best pass-rushers effectively, so they don’t fall too far. But if Washington’s Hau’oli Kikaha is on the board this late, the Cardinals should pounce.

Kikaha was one of the most productive pass-rushers in college football. He totaled 36 sacks over his collegiate career, including 19 in 2014.

He’s not the best athlete, so his role will be as a pure pass-rusher. But he has extremely good hands, as his background in judo is routinely on display. He’s a solid value in the third round.

Round 4

No. 123: Mike Davis, RB, South Carolina

Arizona can look like a genius by taking advantage of a very deep running back class. With a need for a power back that can pound the rock, the Cardinals shouldn’t wait too long if a talent like South Carolina’s Mike Davis is on the board.

Davis is something of a forgotten man in this class. He was a hot name a year ago but was slowed a bit in 2014 by minor injuries. If he’s healthy, he could quickly return to workhorse status in the NFL.

Round 5

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No. 163: Joey Mbu, DT, Houston

The Cardinals could add some specific role players late on Day 3. With their fifth-round pick, the Cardinals should look to add some beef to their defensive line. Although Arizona has a good core of players in the trenches, Joey Mbu of Houston can play in 2015.

Mbu is a pure block-eater. He is used to playing at nose tackle and is content to occupy the guard and center as his teammates attack the gaps created. His selflessness and consistency are great on first and second down.

Round 6

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No. 198: Jeff Luc, ILB, Cincinnati

The inside linebacker position is one filled with talent but also questions for Arizona. Linebackers Daryl Washington, Sean Weatherspoon and Kevin Minter are good enough to win with. Injury concerns for Washington and Weatherspoon muddy the outlook of the position.

Cincinnati linebacker Jeff Luc would be a solid addition for the Cardinals. He is a two-down player only since he’s limited in coverage. But he is very good and effective against the run, as he hammers ball-carriers between the tackle box.

Round 7

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No. 241: Darryl Baldwin, OT, Ohio State

No. 256: Gerald Christian, TE, Louisville

The seventh round is the best place to add potential studs. These are zero-risk picks because the price is so low over four seasons.

Ohio State tackle Darryl Baldwin is a major sleeper at tackle. Despite having limited time at the position, Baldwin was a key starter for the Buckeyes’ running attack in 2014. He has the size and athleticism worthy of development.

Louisville tight end Gerald Christian isn’t the most athletic player, but he has good hands and route-running ability. He has some value as a special teams player who develops in time as a blocker on offense.

All stats via Sports-Reference.com.

Ian Wharton is an NFL Draft Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. 

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